Cornilleau Table Tennis Tables

Three years of research and development in a collaboration with Michelin were essential to create this range of composite weatherproof bats. The idea of an outdoor bat was revolutionary when Cornilleau first came up with it, but between Cornilleau's Table Tennis market knowledge and Michelin's in rubber, they created a bat that has since been re-created by several other brands. Because of the unique design and materials used for the Tacteo bat range they can be left outside without deterioration and they are extremely durable. They are not only built to last but have a playing performance equal to the combination of sponge and rubber used in the traditional table tennis bats. They're absolutely perfect for use at home, especially if you have kids, because the one-piece rubber design stops people from peeling off the rubbers (this is what usually ruins traditional bats). For this reason, and the fact that they're also shock-resistant, they're perfect for use in schools and leisure centres. The Tacteo bat range has been specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions. It has protection against high and low temperature with a bat surface that can't come unstuck, it's shock resistant and has resistance to UV rays, insuring a long lasting colour. Michelin experts devised an ADS (Air Driver System) concept which is a dynamic surface technology with cavities. The shape of the cavities and the high elasticity of the elastomer has been specifically designed to trap air within the cavities as the table tennis ball makes contact with the bat. The air captured in the cavities is compressed and then expelled to propel the table tennis ball and increase speed. The Tacteo table tennis bat gives a unique sensation due to its incomparable comfort. Cornilleau and Michelin have really focused on the ergonomics of the handle which provides a perfect hold reinforced by the addition of a tactile rubberised material which enables a better grip. This brand new bat range from Cornilleau is the world's first eco-design of table tennis bats. After several years of research and development working in conjunction with Armor Lux and their bio-injection partner, Cornilleau has launched the first 'green' racket that's made from recycled materials. The Softbat is ideal for use in schools and at home as a training bat. The bats playing surface creates some spin but not so much that it makes the game harder for beginners. The round, ergonomic handle suits both children and adults, and the weatherproof design makes it perfect for all environments. These bats are weather resistant, shock resistant and have a non-detachable covering.

• Ultra-durable
• Shock resistant
• Weather resistant
• Softskin elastomer blade
• Non-detachable covering
• Ideal for beginners and training

The original business: carpentry and cabinet making 1946 : Emile Cornilleau set up a joinery workshop in an old agricultural building, situated at the side of the main road in Bonneuil les Eaux in the Oise region. The company undertook significant post-war reconstruction work in Breteuil and in the local villages. 1960 : Pierre Cornilleau (son of Emile) joined the family business after studying at the technical college in Beauvais. He was in charge of significant construction sites, which were often far away, and quickly demonstrated a capacity for procedure and organisation. Further to the building work, the company added high-volume industrial production to its business (bottle crates, specific pallets for the car industry, casing for the aviation industry, racks for drying tiles). The company developed each year and reached a total of 20 employees by the end of the 1960s. A New Business is Born 1968 : A neighbouring company, Cotexunion, manufacturing garden frames and PVC cupboards, was approached by a large French trading group to supply table tennis tables. This company involved Cornilleau, who thoroughly researched this project. During this period, the building business was showing certain signs of slowing down and Pierre Cornilleau wished to develop towards an industrial business. Despite his advancing age, Emile Cornilleau placed his trust in the energy and ambition of his son and decided to join the venture. The company Cotexunion would supply the steel bases and Cornilleau would provide the surface, the conditioning and the marketing.

1969 : Cornilleau manufactured its first 300 table tennis tables and participated in the first sports trade show. Cornilleau rapidly gained new customers and began significant investment (50% of the turnover at the time), both in terms of industrial buildings and machinery for the treatment of the playing surface. Pierre and Emile Cornilleau understood very quickly that the success of this operation depended on the design of a specific industrial process allowing reduced costs and large volumes. 1970 : The small company became established as a public limited company. The original business stopped completely and was replaced by the table tennis table business. 1979 : Pierre Cornilleau undertook the general management of the company. 1969- 1980 : Cornilleau gained a significant place in the table tennis table market, offering excellent value for money products, competing with the market leader Donnay. Initially the company's main customers were the large hypermarket chains (80%), enabling it to produce very large quantities and to develop industrially. Gradually sports shops and mail order chains became interested in Cornilleau despite a lack of brand image. The continuous improvements in quality, the reduction in costs and a capacity to adapt to the needs of the market gave Cornilleau a major advantage.

1998 : The company appointed an export sales Manager with the goal of becoming the European market leader. 2000 : Cornilleau diversified and strengthened its recognised position by launching a complete range of bats, balls and accessories in association with the champion Jean Philippe Gatien. The aim of this product launch was to offer a global range of table tennis items and to increase brand visibility. 2002 : Cornilleau carried out the re-engineering of its range of tables achieving significant technical benefits particularly in terms of safety and produced a highly innovative design. A Cornilleau table was nominated for the Observeur design competition (PARIS). At the same time, Cornilleau carried out a complete re-launch of its visual identity through a new logo, new packaging and new communication media. 2003 : Cornilleau began an intensive marketing campaign through its participation in the European Championships in Italy as an official tables sponsor and through a brand promotional exhibition stand at the World Championships in Paris Bercy.

2004 : Cornilleau takes on the American market and participated in the international trade show 'The Supershow' in Orlando. 2005 : Cornilleau teamed up with Michelin to create the 'Tacteo', a revolutionary leisure bat made with a 100% polymer and elastomer base. 2006 : Consolidation of international expansion on the strength of its leading position in the European market, Cornilleau has continued its worldwide growth, intensifying its development in the United States, Russia and the Middle East. 2007 : At the highest level Cornilleau was the official sponsor of the World Team Cup in Germany, where the world's eight best teams clashed. 2010 : When Sport England wanted to host the Ping! London event, Cornilleau was the company they went to for high-quality and durable outdoor tables.